Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Santa
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Virginia and came to Florida for graduate school at the University of Florida where I studied Public Health. I fell in love with the Sunshine State and have made it my home for the past nine years. Living in Orlando has been a fantastic journey, allowing me to connect with local chefs and healthcare professionals. These connections have broadened my perspective on health education within the culinary arts.
I’m a certified nutritionist with extensive experience in culinary education as a program director for a teaching kitchen and sous chef for a private chef company. My hands-on approach to health and nutrition led me to discover a deep passion for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). My travels and relationships with industry experts fueled this passion, and I pursued certification as a Level 1 Olive Oil Sommelier.
Now, I’m excited to enter a new phase of my career with my own culinary consulting company, Bocca Bella. Through Bocca Bella, I offer olive oil tasting experiences and continued education for restaurant staff and passionate foodies. My goal is to blend my expertise in nutrition and culinary arts with my love for EVOO to create unique and enriching experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am still very new to being a business owner and finding a proper flow for myself. Although I have not faced many obstacles yet, there is a learning curve and I truly value the support of friends and family to cheer me on.
We’ve been impressed with Bocca Bella Consulting , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bocca Bella was born out of the passion I have for nutrition and the culinary arts. As a level 1 olive oil sommelier I want to expose others to the world of olive oil and provide a deeper understand of it’s health qualities.
I offer a variety of services including: olive oil tasting experiences, menu pairings/recipe development and continued education for chef teams in effort to celebrate and promote the use of extra virgin olive oil as a global food. My program aims to tantalize taste buds, explore culinary traditions and guide consumers towards high quality food products / trusted brands.
I am most proud of Bocca Bella for being the first brand focusing specifically on olive oil in Central Florida. I want to be a trailblazer for other health/nutrition enthusiasts looking to make a difference in the food scene of Orlando.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Orlando is the comradery. I have only been in Orlando for 8 years but I have made some ever lasting relationships and in establishing a strong support system, I had the courage to start my own business.
What I like the least about Orlando is the lack health-focused food establishments. In recent years, many health conscious / farm to table restaurants have struggled to remain open. I hope to inspire and encourage nutritious foods to get more of the spotlight at restaurants.
Pricing:
- Contact me directly for pricing – private events / pop-ups / menu development
Contact Info:
- Website: https://boccabellaco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bocca.bella
